13 best semi-automatic Espresso machines 2020

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Kudos to the Espresso lovers reading this, we are here to make your day even better. Are you looking to cut down the number of visits to your local coffee shop? Or to get a cup of coffee, even at 3 AM, when most coffee shops are closed? Congratulations, because we are here to make your life easier by providing you a regular way to quench your caffeine cravings whenever you want!

With our best semi-automatic espresso machines, you can have the most flavorful coffee in just a few minutes. We understand that there are numerous espresso machines out there in the market. That is where we step in helping you narrow down the best espresso machine according to your preferences. We have tested, analyzed, and carefully shortlisted the 12 best semi-automatic espresso machines and we are going to uncover the magical list with you today! You might want to grab a cup of espresso before while you scroll further to get a caffeine vibe. If you’re already sipping into your coffee while reading this, consider getting a refill because we’re going to go on a thrilling caffeine roller coaster ride!

What is a Semi-automatic espresso machine?

Before we dig into our best picks, it is important for you to be aware of some of the specifics of a semi-automatic espresso machine. Just a spoiler: a semi-automatic espresso machine allows you to be the barista of your kitchen! Semi-automatic espresso machines not only allow you to tamp and grind your own coffee beans but also let you control the amount of water and let you experiment with the froth. While the other features are automated, you have personal control over the extraction time, thereby giving the “semi” automatic prefix. You have to attach the portafilter along with starting the shot and frothing the milk whenever you find it necessary to do so.  Having said that, even people with amateur coffee knowledge will be able to handle a semi-automatic espresso machine amazingly. With numerous coffee machines to choose from, we have handpicked the 12 best ones for you below!

Breville BES 870XL Barista Express

This semi-automatic espresso machine is exclusively designed to make coffee in less than a minute. The cleaning is super easy as detachment of the entire machine is possible along with the drip tray. A little hideaway storage is present that can be perfectly used to keep materials tidy.

Do you want the most natural flavored coffee without any preservatives or additives? That is what this coffee machine provides you with its conical burr grinder which extracts the natural flavor of the coffee. You can easily adjust the number of coffee beans you want to put in along with their texture with the help of the grind size tool available, allowing you to have either fine or coarse ground coffee. 

It uses technology the right way by giving you digital temperature control for your espresso but also allows you to control the level of foam you prefer in your coffee, with the 360-degree swivel action steam tool. It also consists of a hands-free grinding cradle to allow more convenient grinding. To allow sufficient coffee servings for you, it has a removable water filter and water tank as well. So many perks, right? You own this and Voila! You have the best café style espresso shots at home.

Pros

  • Adjustable according to your needs
  • Compact size making it portable and easy to store
  • Noise-free operation
  • You get instant feedback on each shot with the pressure gauge
  • Really cool maintenance remind of “clean me” exists

Cons

  • It just has one boiler
  • You need to refill the water tank often
  • Low water indicator is not present

Mr Coffee Café Barista Coffee and Espresso making machine

Are you looking for a comparatively affordable coffee machine that has impressive functionalities? Mr Coffee Café’s espresso machine is your pocket-friendly way to go!

This machine not only makes espresso but latte and cappuccino as well. 3 coffee types for the price of 1, impressive enough, right? It has a super easy control panel with one-touch technology. To help amateur baristas, they even have a recipe book available with the coffee machine! 

Pros

  • Value for money
  • 3 in one accessibility
  • Various accessories included with the machine

  Cons

  • The material quality could be questionable

Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

The most impressive feature of this semi-automatic espresso machine is its durable quality and unique design. Having said that, this means that you will get a long-lasting return on your investment with this coffee machine. Spend once and be stress-free for years!

Even heat conduction is guaranteed within this machine through the marine-grade brass group head, making sure everything is well-heated. Moreover, this machine also ensures a clean coffee making process by preventing messy dripping through the steam release process that dries any remaining espresso puck.

Don’t worry at all if you prefer a large dose of caffeine, the drip tray is designed to fit larger coffee mugs as well. Plus, the exterior is made using hardened plastic so there are no issues of scratches or untidiness. The steam wand is super long though, allowing you to forth milky and creamy coffee very easily!

It is comparatively costly than the other semi-automatic espresso machines on our list, but due to the perks it offers, we believe that it fairly does justice to its price. At the end of the day, it’s your decision to make according to your budget and preferences!

Pros

  • High quality
  • Works perfectly with an attached water line
  • There is a warming feature
  • You can store your cups at the top of the machine
  • Adjusting the level of steam is super easy

Cons

  • It does not have an integrated grinder
  • You cannot adjust brew settings much
  • Comparatively expensive

Klarstein Passionata Rossa 20

Do you have a modern kitchen and do you want to couple it with a super aesthetic coffee machine? Congratulations, because this red and silver semi-automatic espresso machine is pretty much the one you are looking for! Even if you have a big family, you don’t need to make several batches of coffee since this machine can make up to 6 cups! Impressive enough, right? Well, this is just the start of its endless perks.

It also allows you to both ground coffee and uses espresso pods, the choice is yours! Taste is ensured by the 20 bar pressure pumper along with the milk frothing capacity that makes the coffee even better. Let’s dig deeper into its pros and cons for you to make a well-informed decision.

Pros

  • Noise-free
  • Heats up really quickly
  • Allows a large quantity of coffee, up to 1.3 qt
  • Comparatively cheaper

Cons

  • The coffee won’t be boiling hot since it pumps a lot of water at a low temperature
  • Portafilter and basket may not be satisfactory

Gaggia Carezza

Are you looking for a commercial looking semi-automatic espresso machine without a five or six-figure price tag? If yes, then this machine is the best one for you! It has a pre-infusion technology which moistens the coffee grounds before extracting in order to ensure a pure and rich extraction.

You don’t even need to worry about excessive power usage with this machine as well since it automatically shuts down if it is left inactive for 9 minutes. It has a 470z water reservoir which is impressive enough! A one year warranty is also available, building up your trust even more towards this beautiful plastic-made machine.

Pros

  • Very easy to use with basic coffee knowledge
  • The company heritage is trustworthy enough building an impressive brand image
  • The commercial parts are solid for a long-lasting usage

   Cons

  • It may lack quality control, you might want to check your package on arrival

De’Longhi EC155 Bar Pump Espresso and Cappucino maker

We call this semi-automatic espresso machine an ideal multitalented coffee maker since we can use both pods and ground coffee with this machine. This coffee maker is De’ Longhi’s comparatively more affordable model.

It also has 15 bar pumps and had it been any other brand, it would have given you just high pressure but this semi-automatic espresso machine gives you different types of forth with its rotary frother as per your requirements.

It lets you save some extra space on the countertop because it has a self-primming initiator which makes your coffee quickly. It’s super easy when it comes to cleaning and the drip tank is pretty much a blessing in disguise.

Don’t worry if you drop a couple of drops here and there, the drip tank has got your back!

Pros

  • Impressive jet frother
  • Great value for money
  • Super accessible and easy to use

Cons

  • The plastic parts might be unattractive for you

Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Espresso machine

Do you want a semi automatic espresso machine that has state-of-the-art programming features, low pressure, faster duration, and a pocket-friendly price tag? Well, that could have felt like a dream until today, when we present you Breville Double boiler Espresso machine with all of those features at a comparatively lower price!

This machine also encompasses a heat exchanger that is made of stainless steel which helps in delivering all of the preheated water directly into the steam boiler. You’re already craving a hot cup of espresso, aren’t you? Thermal stability is guaranteed within this machine at the moment your coffee starts brewing.

Even the extraction of coffee is ensured as the pressure is slowly and gradually extended in order to expand the grounds. It’s Overpressure Valve (OPV) helps in limiting the extraction pressure. Its unique LCD display shows you a whole lot of things including temperature, time, etc. The features just don’t end, do they? 

Pros

  • Super easy to fill up the tank
  • You can perform both a single and double brew
  • The dual boiler is really useful and effective

Cons

  • The frothing wand may not be the best
  • You have to put in some human effort to  have the portafilter in place

Nespresso Essenza mini espresso machine

This super-compact semi-automatic espresso machine has up to 19 bars of pressure. Even though it’s super portable and only offers a single serving, it does not compromise on quality at all. You can even place it inside the cabinet really easily.

It has 2 cup sizes according to your preference and you can choose between the two. They include a 1.35oz espresso or a 5oz lungo. To add on a magical touch to your favorite coffee, the 3 milk frother will provide you the creamy swirl you dream of! It’s really energy-efficient as well as it reaches the ideal water temperature in just 30 seconds after a single touch.

The fact that it has 19 bars of pressure gives each and every cup of coffee the genuineness that its made by a barista who has been in the industry for a decade! But the reality is, it is just been made by you with a machine that gives impressive results.

This coffee machine also comes with a gift containing a Nespresso Original capsule welcome kit along with many other various capsules giving you a wide range of aromas. 

Pros

  • One of the most portable and counter space saving machine
  • Accessible with all types of capsules
  • Super instant and reliable, ensuring rich coffee in just a minute

 Cons          

  • Due to its size, you may have to empty capsules and fill water again and again which could be annoying.

EspressoWorks 7 Piece Espresso and cappuccino machine

All it takes is 45 seconds to get the best cup of coffee from this semi-automatic espresso machine. It is essentially designed for beginner coffee makers since it is really easy to use. Some of the items include a built-in steamer and frother, coffee bean grinder, 2 cups, milk frothing cup, and a spoon/tamper.

This machine has an enhanced thermoblock heating system that is really fast and ensures perfect temperature and steam within seconds. The water tank has a 1.25 liter capacity and it is easily-removable. The frothing device and drip tray are detachable as well which ensures convenient cleaning.

EspressoWorks’s semi-automatic espresso machine gives you the option of getting both a single shot and a double shot in an extraction. Within this machine, there are 2 portafilter baskets made of stainless steel.

This company is super reliable as they have excellent customer support and they have also sold over 10,000 units of their coffee machine. Not only that, when you compare this semi-automatic espresso machine to others,

it is comparatively lower in price which is quite surprising given the fact that it has numerous pieces that come along with it. Numbers can be really impressive sometimes, and today they are with this machine!

Pros

  • Great value for money and budget-friendly
  • A wide range of accessories that come along with it
  • Really convenient and fast to use

 Cons          

  • It is not as long-lasting as other semi automatic espresso machines

Nespresso by De’Longhi Latttisma original espresso machine

Frothing milk has never been easier with this Nespresso coffee machine. It forths your coffee automatically while delivering big bags of flavor with Nespresso’s trusted coffee brewing and high-quality capsules. 

The number of options it has for espresso sizes and milk types will leave you drolling! The three various espresso sizes include ristretto, espresso, and lungo. That’s for the espresso sizes, but can you guess the number of milk options it has? Well, it has 6 milk options, yes you read it right! These include hot milk, cappuccino, flat milk, coffee latte, latte macchiato, and hot foam.

This machine also saves your power by automatically turning off after 9 minutes. Even though this is a single-serving machine, the volume within the water tank is 33.8 ounces so frequent refilling may not be needed. Get your espresso in 25 seconds and milk beverages in 40 seconds, all it takes to get a mesmerizing cup of coffee!

The sleek design with white and grey shinning pastel colors is super aesthetic and it would go perfect with a kitchen with a similar color.

Pros

  • Makes coffee within a minute
  • Larger water storage capacity as compared to other single-serving espresso machines
  • Creates a really rich foam due to the built-in frother

Cons            

  • Different milk-based drinks may not always be consistent with their foam
  • The milk container could be hard to clean especially if you forget to leave the extra portion in the refrigerator instantly

Rancio Silvia espresso machine

One of the best parts about this coffee machine is that it has an ergonomic portafilter handle which ensures comfortable and hassle-free usage. It also comes within the group of coffee machines that are ranked for commercial grade, thereby ensuring the best heat stability and extraction quality.

While the steaming wand gives a complete range of motion, steaming pressure is controlled by the steaming knob. The recovery time between consecutive shots is rapid as well. Do you want to know the secret behind great espresso by this semi automatic espresso machine? It is a powerful brass boiler. 

This machine comes with a scoop, filter basket, and tamper. The deck above it has enough space for 6 cups, depending upon their size. If you want, you can get the optional pod and capsule adaptor kit as well.

Pros

  • The design fits goes beautifully with most decorations
  • Follows ergonomic measurements ensuring comfortable use

 Cons           

  • The drip tray might be too small for some users

Breville The Infuser Espresso Machine BES840XL

This infuser semi automatic machine encompasses advanced specifications including temperature settings and volumetric controls. Not only that, some of its outstanding features include the pre-infusion function which helps in applying low water pressure at the starting of the extraction in order to expand grinds gently to ensure even extraction. Water temperature is not only controlled by the thermocoil heating system but also a stainless steel water coil.

It also has an auto-purge water temperature system which aids in adjusting the water temperature post steam in order to get the optimal temperature for espresso extraction. There is also a technology known as the “PID temperature control” which allows delivering water at the right temperature precisely with 2-degree increments.

Some of the accessories that you get with this semi automatic espresso machine include a stainless steel jug, water filter along with a holder, both single and dual wall filter baskets, and a coffee scoop. 

Pros

  • Sleek design and built
  • The low-pressure pre-infusion technology enhances the genuine coffee flavor
  • A stable temperature is guaranteed by the PID system

Cons

  • Might make noise after a few months
  • There may be leakage problems after some time, even though that’s likely to not happen as well

Mr Coffee One-touch espresso maker

As the name suggests, this semi automatic espresso machine has a one-touch technology which means that by just pressing one button. Sounds really easy, right? It is easier than you think, trust us! You can even select single or double shots of espresso with this one-touch technology.

Even heating is ensured in your hot drink through the thermocouple heating system. Can you guess where the premium robust coffee flavor comes from within this machine? It’s none other than the 19 bar Italian pump that delivers optimal pressure for the best coffee.

Not only is the milk reservoir is easy to clean and detachable, but the milk frother is also automatic as well. The cup tray adjusts both tall and short mugs. 

Pros

  • Water is evenly heated throughout the drink
  • Rapid heating time
  • Adjustable tray for all mug size further works with all kinds of milk be it almond milk or cow’s milk
  • Pocket friendly as compared to other semi-automatic espresso machines

 Cons            

  • There is no “add water” warning sign just like there is in other machines
  • The quality of the machine may be slightly disappointing

How to choose the best semi-automatic espresso machine?

The love for coffee is constant worldwide. In days like these where  you are stuck in a world pandemic but crave the best espresso shots, you might want to have a semi automated espresso machine.

The question arose at this point is , “𝐻o𝑤 𝑡𝑜 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑚𝑖 𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑒?”

Well, let’s guide you!

The best part about semi-automated machine is that your part is just to monitor, yes you read it right, which means less human input and best outcome. There are some things you need to keep in mind when you start thinking to buy a semi automatic espresso machine.

Budget:

The first thing is obviously your budget. There are budget-friendly machines and then there are those six-figure machines, it’s your choice to decide which one you want. A rough numeric figure regarding your budget helps you narrow down your list of machines and ultimately helps you decide the final one. Ask yourself: do you want to spend $500 or less or do you want to spend over and above $1000.

Ease of use:

this again depends upon your preference: do you want to be the barista experimenting new stuff within your machine or do you just want to get flavourful coffee by just clicking one button? Either way, we have both types on our list. Choose if you want to put in some work or if you want to stay 100% hassle-free, your call completely!

Design:

while design shouldn’t be the vital deciding factor within your decision-making process of getting a semi-automatic espresso machine, it still plays some part in your decision. Obviously, would you rather get a slim, sleek, and aesthetic machine or a dull and cliché machine for the same price? Pretty much the former. You could also consider if the design and color of the machine match the background color of your kitchen cabinets, counter, etc.

What features are you looking for in the machine?

The best machine must have  all the following components

1)  Boiler

2) Brewer

3) Extractor

4) Portafilter

5) Grinder: some machines may not come with a built-in grinder, so you might want to buy one yourself. Remember to check that out.

The ones with grinders are the best and make you feel like you made Starbucks’ espresso shots all by yourself at home.

Our Recommendation

After analyzing each and every product thoroughly, there are a couple of products that are on the top of our recommendation list. The first one is Breville BES 870 XL Barista Express. Not only is this compact and noise-free but it also has a digital control that makes everything easier. If you think that Breville BES 870 XL is a bit too costly for you, then don’t worry, our second recommendation, Nespresso by De’Longhi Lattisma is cheaper than the rest. Even though it is lower on price, it provides some of the best functions including built-in frother and large water capacity. 

Conclusion:

Al of these 13 machines on our list have been truly tested and tried, and we have narrowed down our list, explained to you both the pros and cons in detail for you to make a well-informed decision about your coffee journey. After all, its all about your personal preferences, and we wish you all the best in choosing the best semi-automatic espresso machine!

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